Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was the most influential composer for the organ in the 20th century. Shaped by French tradition as well as the innovations of Debussy, Stravinsky, and Bartok, Messiaen developed a unique style that would become his signature. Using Messiaen's own analytical and aesthetic notes as a point of departure, Jon Gillock offers detailed commentary on the performance of Messiaen's 66 organ works. Gillock provides background information on the composition and premiere of each piece, a translation of Messiaen's related writings, and a systematic explanation of performance considerations. Gillock also supplies details about the organ at La Trinite in Paris, the instrument for which most of Messiaen's pieces were imagined.

Insights into the organ works of a 20th-century master

About the Author

Jon Gillock studied with Messiaen at the Paris Conservatory and premiered several of his late organ works in the United States and Japan. Gillock has performed several concerts on the organ at La Trinite in Paris, the church at which Messiaen served as organist for more than 60 years.

Reviews

Performing Messiaen's Organ Music provides an essential reference for organists and a useful guide for all interpreters of Messiaen. Rich with historical background, descriptive analysis, and subjective insight, it makes these towering works more intelligible to organists and will enable them to consult an authoritative source for their performances.

* Notes *

[This] book . . . has been acclaimed for its exhaustive scope and insights. Nov. 16, 2011

* New York Times *

Performing Messiaen's Organ Music is a significant contribution to both the Messiaen literature as well as to performance practice in general. . . . [T]hrough his numerous interpretative insights about Messiaen's organ works, Gillock has shown himself to be not only a first-rate artist but also a fabulous teacher of a music whose beauty and grandeur reflect the qualities of the French Romantic-symphonic organ school from which it emerged.16.1 2011

* Performance Practice review *

For anyone who plays Messiaen on the organ, this is a book to treasure.

* Music & Vision *

Gillock excels at conveying his understanding of the meaning and spirit of the pieces, and this aspect forms the core of the book. . . . With the most complete primary-source guide in English to the performance of this music, Gillock presents an invaluable and deeply felt manual. . . . [He] . . . imparts vividly in words the involvement and passion the performer needs in order to bring the music to life, encouraging the player again and again to feel the gesture. September 1, 2010

* The Diapason *

Drawing on intensive experience with the music and his close relationship with Messiaen, the author provides organists and others interested in this music with an engaging, accessible narrative that sheds much new light on Messiaen's complex music, which has confounded performers for many years. . . . Highly recommended.July 2010

* Choice *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253353733
Author Jon Gillock
Format Hardback
Page Count 428
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 816g